Traffic Safety Programs: Progress, States' Challenges, and Issues for Reauthorization

Book excerpt: To help states reduce traffic fatalities, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transport. Equity Act (SAFETEA) authorized funding for the Nat. Hwy. Traffic Safety Admin. (NHTSA) to award traffic safety grants to states and implement a high-visibilty enforce. (HVE) program that combines intensive state and local enforce. of safety belt and impaired driving laws with media commun. This statement addresses: (1) NHTSA¿s progress in administering and overseeing the traffic safety grant and HVE programs; (2) the programs¿ effectiveness in addressing traffic safety issues; and (3) issues for Congress to consider in reauthorizing funding for the programs when SAFETEA expires in 2009. Also discusses older driver safety. Illustrations